Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Vs I Nuovi Cleansing Oil

For the past two weeks, I've been using I Nuovi Cleanse Splash-Away Makeup Cleansing Oil and found that it worked incredibly well in removing my stubborn mascara (I gave up tugging on my lashes with regular eye makeup removers!). That got me thinking, how would it compare Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil? After all, Shu Uemura is the King of cleansing oils.

Read on for the comparison and the interesting results...

If you noticed, this is the last product to be reviewed out of the first Inuovi haul. I initially used the product by emulsifying it with water first as how PrettyBeautiful has done. Both times using the concoction to remove my eye makeup, I experienced swelling, redness and itchiness on my lid, followed by flaking the next day. I deemed the problem as "Allergy" and was ready to pass on the product. Usually, I won't really bother to find out the cause of any allergies towards products. If I have a reaction, I simply don't use it. However, with this cleansing oil, I wasn't satisfied at all. It removed my makeup so well I couldn't accept that I was allergic to it. Knowing that I had a voice, I emailed Rina and Bob of I Nuovi regarding this problem. Very promptly, Bob gave me his very in-depth reasoning for what may have caused the reaction. Apparently, the cleansing oil is not formulated to be emulsified prior to cleansing.and has to be used in its original form. When the oil is mixed with water, the oil could have lost its effectiveness immediately. Thus, he suggested that I try using it the proper way.

Guess what? I don't have to sell off my cleansing oil! I tested it for almost a week and now at two weeks, I'm still reaction-free. I was supposed to share half-half with Paris since we both have too many cleansing oils in hand but was still curious to try. Yeah, I decided that I wanna have the whole bottle. Hee...

The oil is lightweight and smells of rose. Mmmm... ALL of your makeup will come off when using this cleansing oil. Eyeshadow, foundation, eyeliner, mascara, lipsstick -- everything! There's no stinging but the 20-second cloudiness needs some getting use to. It happens with all cleansing oils anyway. Emulsifying is easy and skin feels very soft after rinsing. There's a slight "moisturized" feeling but not as much compared to using the Shu Uemura A/O Cleansing Oil.

One problem though: the packaging, yet again. Why are all the good stuff packaged in less-than-ideal packaging? The bottle itself is fine but the cap... It's a snap cap that makes me fear all the time that it'll open and cause the product to spill when I chuck it into my bag for travelling. Even when I pour out the product, some will dribble along the sides of the bottle causing a mess. It's also difficult to control the amount used. I would have much preferred a pump or at least a screw cap.

On to the comparison!

Foundation, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara... ready to go!

Used about the same amount for both sides.

But of course, nobody can be as cute as Jenn. Both oils were easy to use but Shu needed slightly more rubbing for the lashes.

Both eyes are clean but Shu had some icky goopy stuff coming out the side of the eye. Even in the morning there were a few more. None from I Nuovi's side. I think it's because Shu loosens the bond between mascara and lashes but not really dissolving the mascara.

After a round of toner... this is a very close call! What do you think?

My Verdict: I Nuovi wins for better removal of eye makup and being cheaper! Now to fix the sucky packaging.

Shu Uemura Balancing Cleansing Oil RM100/150ml
I Nuovi Cleanse Splash-Away Makeup Cleansing Oil RM72/150ml or $28USD on their International website.

Mother's Day Promo for I Nuovi...

Click on picture to enlarge...